Wanda Jeanette Spencer (Gibb), age 85, of Webb City, Missouri passed away peacefully into eternity in the early morning hours of May 10, 2023 at home with her family after receiving last rites.
Wanda was born September 12, 1937, in Webb City, Missouri, the daughter of Adrian Gibb and Ruth Hightower Battalia. After Wanda graduated Webb City High school in 1956, she enrolled in Joplin Junior College, at one point famously becoming football Homecoming Queen. Wanda married her longtime sweetheart, David Spencer on August 16, 1957. Wanda was a devoted caregiver raising up her family in Webb City and looking after many aging family members around Alba, Webb City, and Joplin.
In her early middle years Wanda moved her family to Sedalia, Missouri as David’s position changed for work, and later to Springfield, Missouri. Wanda became a processing supervisor for Interstate Studios in Sedalia and later at Dameron Color Labs in Springfield. Wanda returned closer to home with David to Carthage, Missouri in the early 2000s, and became primary entertainer and after school transportation and caregiver to her local grandchildren.
Wanda was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage and enjoyed attending services, church outings, and plays. More affectionately known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren, she enjoyed attending many of their events including Band Concerts, FFA functions, Swim Meets, and her role as a bonus “Nanny” to her grandchildren’s friends. Wanda never knew a stranger and was quick to make conversation with friends, neighbors, and passersby.
Wanda was preceded in death by her mother Ruth Battalia, stepfather Sam Battalia, father Adrian Gibb, husband David Spencer, her brother Duane Gibb, infant son Gregory Spencer, and granddaughter Kristain Keele Ford. Wanda is survived by daughter Debby Orr of Webb City, daughter Jennifer White and her husband Pete of Warsaw, Missouri, son Scott Spencer of England, Arkansas; sister-in-law Judy Gibb of Friendswood, Texas; as well as five grandchildren, Michelle Keele of Sedalia, Missouri, Savannah Weber and her husband Sean of Carthage, Missouri, Greg Spencer of England, Arkansas, Spencer Orr of Kansas City, Missouri, Jackie Spencer of England, Arkansas; in addition to seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and beloved cousins, nephews, and their families.
A funeral service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage, Missouri Saturday June 17, 11:00am and a family graveside service following at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Joe Pierjok of Grace Episcopal Church officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin.
